What's Open & Closed on Christmas Day in NYC? (2025 Guide) • Over Here New York

Look, I love this city. I really do. But let’s be honest: on Christmas Day, New York splits into two very different realities. There’s the magical, cinematic version you see in movies, and then there’s the reality of trying to find a decent bagel or a cab in Midtown when the rest of the world is opening presents.

My friends from out of town always assume the city that never sleeps takes a day off on December 25th. They panic-text me: “Is everything going to be closed? Are we going to starve?”

Relax. This isn’t the suburbs.

While some mom-and-pop shops in the villages shut down, New York on Christmas is actually one of the liveliest days of the year—if you know where to go. Here is the inside scoop on navigating the city on the 25th, from a local who learned long ago that trying to ice skate at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Day is a rookie mistake.

Is New York City Busy on Christmas Day?

Photo via @allmumstalk & @alldadstalk • Instagram — *Photo via @allmumstalk & @alldadstalk* *• Instagram*

Oh, absolutely.

Do not believe the rumors that the city empties out because “everyone goes home to Ohio.” While the Financial District might look like a ghost town, Midtown is a beautiful nightmare of human gridlock.

The Local’s Breakdown:

The Tourist Vortex (Midtown/5th Ave): Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. If you stop to tie your shoe near the Tree, you will cause a pile-up.
The Real NY (West Village, Tribeca, LES): Surprisingly chill. These neighborhoods are where we locals hide out. It’s manageable, the brownstones look incredible with wreaths, and you can actually breathe.

Landmarks & Attractions: What’s Open?

You didn’t battle the LGA traffic just to sit in your hotel room. The good news is that the city’s engines keep running.

Is Empire State Building Open on Christmas Day?

Yes. The Empire State Building is open on Christmas Day and keeps late hours. For the 2025 holiday week (Dec 23–28), they are generally running from 8:00 AM until 1:00 AM.

My Tip: Go late. Most tourists try to go after a boozy brunch. I take friends up there around 10:30 PM. The crowds thin out, the air is crisp, and seeing the city lights after a heavy dinner is the only cardio I’m willing to do on a holiday.

Is Rockefeller Center Open on Christmas Day?

Technically, yes. The Tree is lit, and the Rink is open.

The Reality Check: Skating there on Christmas Day is chaos. It’s expensive, the line wraps around the block, and you have zero room to actually skate. If you must do it for the ‘gram, book the 8:30 AM slot. Otherwise, just admire the tree from the 49th Street side and keep moving.

Other Major Views

Summit One Vanderbilt: Open. This is my current favorite because you’re eye-level with the Chrysler Building. The “Air” exhibit is trippy and great for photos.
Edge & Top of the Rock: Open.
Central Park: Always open. The Zoo usually keeps 365-day hours (10:00 AM – 4:30 PM), which is a sleeper hit if you want to kill time with kids.

Culture & Arts: The “Hard No” List

*Photo via The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue (@langhamnyc) • Instagram*

This is where visitors get burned.

Is The Met Open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, The Met is open on Christmas Eve, typically with regular hours (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM), but it is strictly CLOSED on Christmas Day.

Don’t Be That Guy: Do not show up on the 25th expecting to wander the Egyptian wing. You will only see locked doors and a security guard shaking his head. This applies to MoMA and the Guggenheim too.

Is Broadway Open on Christmas Day?

The answer is: It’s complicated. Traditionally, Broadway is dark on Christmas Day so cast and crew can be with families. However, there are often exceptions for the massive blockbusters (think Aladdin or Wicked) or the Rockettes at Radio City.

My Advice: Check Telecharge or Ticketmaster right now. If a show is playing, tickets will be at a premium. If you really want to see a show, aim for a December 26th matinee.

Where to Eat on Christmas Day in New York

You cannot—I repeat, cannot—just walk into a decent restaurant on the 25th without a plan. You will end up eating a stale slice of dollar pizza (which is now $1.50, by the way).

High-End & Vibes

If you’re willing to spend, hotel restaurants are the move. They never close.

The Whitby Bar (Midtown): The design is vibrant and colorful—perfect for a gloomy winter day. I prefer the bar seating over the dining room; the bartenders are pros, and the people-watching is top-tier.
Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side): If you can get in, this is the holy grail. The murals, the jazz, the $30 martinis—it feels like the New York you see in the movies.

The Classics

Where to eat on Christmas Day in New York if you want that old-school feel?

Katz’s Delicatessen: Yes, they are open. It will be loud, chaotic, and glorious. Order the pastrami on rye, but here’s the trick: tip the cutter a couple of bucks before he starts slicing. You’ll get the better, juicier cuts.
Tavern on the Green: Is it a tourist trap? Maybe. Do I still secretly love it on Christmas Day when the courtyard lights are on? Absolutely.

The Chinatown Tradition

Just like the locals, Chinatown is where I go when I’m over the holiday ham.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Go for dim sum. The vintage 1920s look is incredible, but the line gets long fast.
Jing Fong: Massive banquet hall energy. It’s an experience.

What to Do in NYC on Christmas Day (Besides Eating)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rockettes (@therockettes)

What to do in NYC on Christmas Day once you’re full?

Walk Fifth Avenue: Since the flagship stores (Saks, Bergdorf’s) are closed for shopping, the sidewalks are slightly less aggressive than usual. You can actually look at the holiday window displays without taking an elbow to the ribs.
Bryant Park Winter Village: The shops are hit-or-miss on the holiday, but the Rink is open and the food kiosks generally operate. Grab a waffle and sit by the fountain.
The Brooklyn Bridge: If the weather holds up, walk the bridge. It’s open 24/7, free, and offers the best skyline view, period.

Quick Logistics: What You Need to Know

Public Transit: The subway runs on a Sunday schedule. It’s slower, so leave 15 minutes earlier than your GPS says.
What is allowed to open on Christmas Day? Almost anything can open legally, but most retail shops choose to close. Don’t expect to go shopping in SoHo.
Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens are usually open. Essential for grabbing water and ibuprofen after too much eggnog.

New York on Christmas is frantic, expensive, and loud—and I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Just pack your walking shoes, make your reservations yesterday, and for the love of pizza, don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to check your phone.

Looking for the best photo ops to hit after dinner? Check out my guide on Where to Find the Best Christmas Lights in NYC.

Related Reads:

What’s Open & Closed on Christmas Day in NYC? (2025 Guide)